Step Visa Card review: fees, limits and how it works
Teens and young adults starting a credit history
Quick answer: Step is a secured Visa card for teens and young adults, with accounts through Evolve Bank & Trust. Step charges no monthly, overdraft, minimum or account management fees, so typical use at in-network ATMs costs $0 a month. It reports on-time payments to the credit bureaus once you're 18 and verified.
Best for: Teens and young adults starting a credit history
Pros
- No fees
- Builds credit without debt
- Parent visibility for minors
Cons
- Credit reporting starts only at 18
- Spending limited to your balance
What the Step Visa Card costs per month
| If you… | Monthly cost | How it adds up |
|---|---|---|
| Direct deposit, withdrawals at in-network ATMs | $0 | Step has no monthly, overdraft, minimum or account management fees, and withdrawals at its in-network ATMs are free. |
| Teen spending money a parent adds by bank transfer above the minimum | $0 | No monthly fees apply. Step says a small fee may apply only when adding below the minimum by bank transfer or adding from a linked debit card. |
Who it suits
Good fit if
- Teens who want a card with parent visibility
- Young adults starting a credit history
- Avoiding monthly and overdraft fees
Skip it if
- You need to spend more than your balance
- You're under 18 and want credit reporting now
- You load mostly cash, which can carry third-party fees
Fees
| Monthly fee | None. No monthly, overdraft, minimum or account management fees. |
| Other | Third-party fees may apply for retail cash deposits or out-of-network ATMs |
How to get and load it
Download the Step app. Under-18s need a sponsor aged 18 or older.
- Linked debit card
- Bank transfer
- Direct deposit
- Cash at about 70,000 retail locations
Activation
Activate in the app.
Deposit protection and credit building
Protection: Insured up to $250,000 through Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC.
Credit building: Yes. It's a secured spending card, and Step reports positive payment history to the three bureaus once you're 18 and verified.
Step Visa Card FAQs
Does the Step Visa Card have a monthly fee?
Monthly fee: None. No monthly, overdraft, minimum or account management fees.. Other charges to check: Third-party fees may apply for retail cash deposits or out-of-network ATMs.
How do I activate the Step Visa Card?
Activate in the app.
Is money on the Step Visa Card insured?
Insured up to $250,000 through Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC.
Does the Step Visa Card build credit?
Yes. It's a secured spending card, and Step reports positive payment history to the three bureaus once you're 18 and verified.
How do I add money to the Step Visa Card?
You can load it by linked debit card, bank transfer, direct deposit, cash at about 70,000 retail locations.
Official Step (Evolve Bank & Trust) site
Sources: step.com · step.com. Fees change; confirm on the official fee schedule.